Stories by Aprille Hanson

  • A calming touch and a zest for life

    Dr. Walter G. “Buddy” Klugh Jr. had a “calming” demeanor, making his job of easing people into slumber a little easier, his son said.

  • Doctor faithfully prayed every day

    Even if it was 2 a.m. or 3 a.m., Dr. Frank Raymond Ludwig would walk into the hospital with a smile on his face, ready to try and save a life.

  • English teacher always in vogue

    Susan Barham’s Southern grace, biting wit and an openness to the world’s beauty was similar to one of her literary heroes, Flannery O’Connor, her family and fr…

  • Ex-county judge known for humor

    In Mexico, some people may really believe they met the king of rock ’n’ roll, thanks to Bobby R. Woodard. Though he couldn’t speak a lick of Spanish, Woodard h…

  • Polio survivor, beloved mother

    According to her birth certificate, Bettie House was born Feb. 22, 1925, before a fire raged through Newport in March and destroyed several homes and businesse…

  • Catholic deacon a willing servant

    Every year, deacon Joe Bruick would meet with a certain parishioner to honor the man’s late wife.

  • Is tree service insured? Check on that advised

    Before a homeowner allows a tree service worker to begin work on his property, he should ask for proper documentation to make sure that the individual is both …

  • NLR hairstylist loved family, God

    When Shanita Diane Leverett of North Little Rock sang the faith-filled song, “God is Keeping Me,” it gave her renewed hope as she struggled with congestive hea…

  • Reputation hurting Harrison, mayor says

    Harrison Mayor Jeff Crockett said Tuesday that the city’s economy and school district have suffered because the community is perceived as bigoted. Crockett spo…

  • Appraiser had love of numbers

    In Mike Pyron’s more than 30 years as a real estate appraiser, he earned the highest certifications in his field from the Appraisal Institute, making him a sou…

  • Fled war, found peace in nature

    When Astrida Allred was a young teenager, she left her home in Latvia in the Baltic region of Northern Europe with her mother to escape imminent danger during …

  • Saw legal practice as God-inspired

    When it came to his law career, Jim A. Buttry’s friends often compared him to literary lawyer Atticus Finch, from the 1960 novel To Kill a Mockingbird, said hi…

  • Educator, coach gladly lent a hand

    Sherman Peterson was inspiring to others, whether he was teaching, coaching or being an example of healthy living, swimming laps at a local health club even in…

  • Doctor made time for family, patients

    For six weeks during his senior year of medical school, Dr. Melvin “Lanny” Belknap cared for a premature baby named Luke, who had little chance of survival. Ho…

  • Feisty free spirit lived life her way

    Marjorie Anne Madsen’s life can be summed up by the song she wanted played at her funeral — Elvis Presley’s rendition of “My Way.” “She was always positive and…

  • Congenial pastor loved to tell jokes

    Pastor David Harris was serious about saving souls, but he was not a “fire and brimstone” preacher, his daughter said.

  • Conservationist, enjoyed fishing

    Josh Joyner was happiest fishing on the Little Red River. But on Saturday mornings, nothing was better than watching Looney Tunes with his 3-year-old son, Sam.

  • Car refurbishings known nationwide

    Billy Bob Sullivan’s work can be seen in museums from Switzerland to Memphis, usually in large, roped off areas around signs saying “Do not touch.” Sullivan de…

  • Prisoner of war kept spirits up

    On Feb. 6, 1945, A.B. Morara and thousands of other prisoners of war began a 500-mile march that would last more than 80 days across treacherous, snowy German …

  • Off the street, not out of the cold

    The only light that 8-yearold Bryant Kwon O’Neal has seen inside the Our House shelter since 3:30 p.m. on Christmas Day was the glow of a handheld video game, …

  • Public not using donation boxes

    In 2008, in an attempt to cut down on the number of people panhandling on the streets of downtown Little Rock, officials with the Little Rock Downtown Partners…

  • Scrapper shared his gift for song

    At first glance, John P. McGrail was a typical Irish Catholic kid, running the streets in a rough Pittsburgh neighborhood. But when he sang, he broke that mold.

  • Counselor, coach clowned around

    For about 10 years, David Wooley routinely stood in front of the mirror painting his face white, along with a big red smile outlining his lips to become “Butto…

  • Always chasing next challenge

    Even after years of successful business ventures, Guy Woodson Moseley never lost his desire for the next challenge.

  • Feeding children passion of her life

    As a teacher, Earnestine Camp heard the growls of the empty stomachs of her poverty-stricken students, which fueled her lifelong passion for improving school m…

  • Daredevil spirit kept her on move

    Marcelline Evans Giroir lived her life to the fullest, whether she was taking road trips with her friends or white-water rafting.

  • All worth saving, doctor believed

    Dr. S. William Ross enjoyed a challenge, once mixing up a meat tenderizer concoction to stop a schizophrenic patient from ingesting coins, which could have led…

  • Family provider solid in his faith

    Growing up the third oldest of 10 children, Andy Jaworski learned the value of hard work in his small Polish community in Marche.

  • KATV reporter wouldn’t take no

    While taping KATV’s 7 on Your Side, Dewayne Graham would do anything to uncover the truth and protect the consumer.

  • Touted as master of the steel guitar

    Bobby Jack Pearl’s lifelong passion for music started after his fingers floated across the strings of a steel guitar as a child.

  • Carlisle farmer, avid fan of Hogs

    Billy Eugene Elmore was a man of few words, but spoke volumes through his actions, his daughter said.

  • CPA gave back to her community

    For more than 30 years, Dana Marie Minton saved people from their bad spending habits.

  • Not-yet-full-moon walk draws fans

    Seven-year-old Aine Pippenger was looking forward to strolling along the Big Dam Bridge Sunday evening during the third annual Full Moon Walk but got a little …

  • Shelter looks to expand digs

    Ask 8-year-old Zadie Farrell what she enjoys about the youth program at the Our House shelter and she’ll rattle off a list. Her favorites include quiet time to…

  • Halloween was ‘his time to shine’

    Whenever James Robert Cahill’s grandchildren went to his apartment for Sunday dinner, he avoided sitting with them beside the pool, with the sun beating down. …

  • Loved antiques, animals, music

    Carla Hall’s 8-acre property on the outskirts of Pulaski County became an animal oasis, even for a wandering ostrich.

  • True radio man and Mr. Fix-it

    Blande Perry was quiet, always wearing a smile. Once his crisp voice hit the airwaves, though, the radio announcer came alive.

  • As baseball coach, helped kids excel

    In 1968, Gene Copeland’s Little League team was tied with the bases loaded in the semifinal game when he sent his 12-year-old son into the pressure cooker to p…

  • Lightning strikes historic LR church

    Around 5:30 p.m. Sunday, the Rev. Thompson Murray said, he was listening to the sweet melodies of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s performance of “Beethoven &…

  • NLR restaurateur a friend to many

    When a 3-year-old boy wanted a cowboy birthday party at the Cock of the Walk restaurant this summer, owner Bryan James Burkhalter wanted to make it unforgettab…

  • Dutiful mother, devout Catholic

    Rita Daugherty Ferrell didn’t need a driver’s license because she had two strong legs to take her through the streets of Fayetteville. However, residents who a…

  • State police major tough but beloved

    Standing 6-foot-6, Arkansas State Police Maj. Buren Jackson was a towering symbol of authority and compassion while wearing his uniform.

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